Senate Rejects Seventh Attempt to Limit President Trump's Iran War Powers
The Senate voted 50-49 against a resolution to limit President Trump's military authority in Iran, with three Republican senators breaking ranks to support the measure.
The U.S. Senate on Wednesday voted 50-49 against a resolution aimed at limiting President Donald Trump's authority to conduct military operations in Iran. This marks the seventh unsuccessful attempt by lawmakers to curtail the president's war powers in the region.
The resolution, introduced by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), sought to require congressional approval for further military action against Iran. Notably, Republican Senators Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Susan Collins of Maine, and Rand Paul of Kentucky joined Democrats in supporting the measure. Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.) was the only Democrat to oppose it.
Senator Murkowski, who had previously opposed similar resolutions, explained her change in position:
"I thought that perhaps we would get beyond that time period, we would get more clarity from the administration in terms of where we are, and I haven't received it."
The vote occurred shortly after the 60-day deadline stipulated by the War Powers Resolution of 1973, which requires the president to seek congressional authorization for military engagements beyond that period. The Trump administration contends that the ceasefire reached in early April effectively paused the 60-day clock, a position that has been met with skepticism by some lawmakers.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, addressing the Senate Armed Services Committee, asserted that the administration possesses all necessary authorities under Article II of the Constitution to continue operations in Iran. He stated that if the president decides to resume strikes against Iran, "we would have all the authorities necessary to do so."
Despite the resolution's failure, Democratic senators have indicated plans to persist in efforts to assert congressional oversight over military actions in Iran. Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) emphasized the importance of congressional involvement, noting that Republicans are facing pressure from their constituents on the war's impact on the economy and high gas prices.
